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        <title><![CDATA[The Baldwin - Medium]]></title>
        <description><![CDATA[BALDWIN pushes the idea of defiant criticism. Written and produced by Black people, BALDWIN is literary reparations for society and culture. We challenge the idea that an educated opinion looks and sounds one way. - Medium]]></description>
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            <title><![CDATA[Dandelions in the Wind: The Fight for Black Land, Four Years Later]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/dandelions-in-the-wind-the-fight-for-black-land-four-years-later-2fec059c4750?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
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            <category><![CDATA[bulletbybaldwin]]></category>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Ja'Keia Person]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 12 Oct 2025 17:51:35 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-10-12T17:51:35.180Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>I used to think dandelions were simply something we wished on.</p><p>As a child, I ran through fields of feathery white tumblers on my uncle’s land in Chesapeake, Virginia, imagining that if wished hard enough, that abandoned — tired farm would burst back to life.</p><blockquote>I was wrong about dandelions.</blockquote><p>They’re more than fleeting childhood wishes.</p><blockquote>They are survivors.</blockquote><p>They take root in the harshest conditions, thriving even in cracked concrete. Much like the dandelion, Black land ownership in America has always been a story of resilience: growing where we weren’t meant to thrive.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*0NbPQ6-0-LBNOwXMZiTQAg.jpeg" /><figcaption>Nicole N’Diaye of NAHE Farms planting chestnut trees at Corbin Hill Farms in Albany, New York</figcaption></figure><p>Four years ago, I chronicled the history of Black farmers and the systematic theft of Black land. Today, I write not just from research and memory, but from raw experience. My uncle passed away in 2023, and my aunt followed in early 2025, leaving their farm in the hands of my cousin. That once-abandoned plot now bustles with over 200 live poultry and a modest herd of 12 red Angus and Wagyu cows. Yet what should be a triumphant revival stands as a stark lesson: America still strangles Black agricultural progress.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*wyAzumrqVVQKHD6CDZt-0w.jpeg" /><figcaption><strong>Albritton Ancestral Farm, Chesapeake, VA</strong> — Once abandoned, now thriving. For over four generations, this land has been in my family, and today my cousin is reclaiming it, raising cattle and chickens, and living off the land our ancestors left for us.</figcaption></figure><p>I have watched my cousin battle endless bureaucracy just to be recognized as a farmer by the USDA. I’ve seen him navigate a labyrinth of farm signups, reporting, and loan applications — systems seemingly designed to discourage rather than support small Black farmers.</p><p>I’ve spent years working with urban farm organizations and launching projects, only to find the same barriers in both the rural South and in the heart of our cities. Even with a stable salary, community backing, and hard-earned savings, securing land for myself has proven nearly impossible.</p><p>This is not by accident.</p><h3>Land Is Power — and That Power Is Still Denied</h3><p>In my earlier piece, I recounted the legacy of broken promises — from the famed 40 acres and a mule to the forced sales of heirs’ property. Yet the past four years have shown me that these injustices are not relics of history; they are painfully present today.</p><p>The USDA, once an overt instrument of discrimination against Black farmers, now purports to offer assistance — but accessing that aid is an uphill battle. Loans and grants intended for small farmers often never reach Black hands. Land developers prey on families who lack the legal resources to protect their inheritance. Even when Black people come with financial stability, they face higher loan rejection rates, steeper interest rates, and a system that favors large, white-owned agribusinesses.</p><p>White families, on the other hand, inherit not only land but a legacy of farming knowledge, generational wealth, and political clout. They enjoy the full measure of government funding, subsidies, and legal protections — a legacy engineered over centuries to keep wealth, built on the backs of Black labor, firmly in white hands.</p><p>Today, even working-class families — regardless of race — are crushed by an economy that makes land ownership seem unattainable. Grocery prices have soared. Municipal workers are forced to max out their pensions to keep up with rent. Food pantries are overflowing with both the unemployed and full-time workers struggling to make ends meet. In this broken economy, land is more than an investment — it is a means of survival. The ability to grow food is power, yet those who need it most remain shut out, while corporations and wealthy investors snatch up every available acre, driving prices ever higher.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*4BvcvtSOroENrx-QQfjbwQ.jpeg" /><figcaption>The last frost of the year signals a season of hard labor and preparation. Many Black farmers in New York State seek support by inviting NYC residents to help steward their land — bridging urban and rural communities through hands-on work and shared food sovereignty. Corbin Hill Farm stewarded by Bronx based NAHE Farms in Sloanville, New York.</figcaption></figure><h3>Urban Agriculture: A New Path Forward</h3><p>In response to these challenges, I turned to urban agriculture — a field where hope takes root in unlikely places. Over the past six years, I’ve worked as a hydroponic farm educator and operator, training students and community members to grow food where soil is scarce but need is abundant. I’ve led workshops in a 3,500-square-foot hydroponic farm classroom that has supplied multiple food pantries and brought hands-on science and nutrition education to countless students. I’ve installed and maintained hydroponic tower gardens at places like Phipps Neighborhood Houses, proving that food production is not confined to sprawling rural farms — it can flourish in classrooms, community centers, and even apartment complexes.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*VgEIivR8PTHYtUpoNh5uNg.jpeg" /><figcaption>This photo showcases leafy greens thriving in a vertical farm system. Located within a 3,500-square-foot hydroponic farm at a community high school in the Bronx, New York, USA, the farm is operated by Teens For Food Justice. It is part of New York City Department of Education’s broader Farm to School initiative, where students gain hands-on experience in food security, nutrition, and urban agriculture.</figcaption></figure><p>Urban farming isn’t a mere trend — it is a necessary evolution in how we produce food. With national food recalls, rampant inflation, and threats like avian flu disrupting supply chains, we need localized systems that reduce our dependence on large-scale agriculture. Imagine schools, community centers, and public housing developments integrated with hydroponic and vertical farms, providing every community with direct access to fresh, affordable produce. The Farm-to-School movement has made promising strides, yet these initiatives must expand, ensuring that every child understands where their food comes from and every neighborhood can grow its own sustenance.</p><h3>Land as Power, Food as Liberation</h3><p>The conversation about Black land ownership must evolve to include urban agriculture. If traditional land ownership remains elusive, we must reclaim our power through innovative means. Whether it’s hydroponics, rooftop farms, or community garden networks, we have the tools to achieve food sovereignty.</p><p>But this transformation requires support. Government agencies must dismantle bureaucratic barriers that hinder Black farmers from accessing vital grants, resources, and subsidies. Cities need to invest in urban agriculture as a critical strategy against food insecurity — funding hydroponic labs in schools and incentivizing the leasing of vacant lots for community farming rather than selling them to developers.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*2fpLQhYrq_BQ5OxAjmLe2Q.jpeg" /><figcaption>At Phipps Neighborhood Houses Crotona Park West located in the Bronx, NY, USA, our garden is more than soil and roots — it’s a space for connection, learning, and fresh beginnings.</figcaption></figure><h3><strong>A Blueprint for Reclaiming Our Land</strong></h3><p>Land is more than soil and crops — it is legacy, economic stability, and freedom. The fight for Black land ownership is the fight for generational wealth. To break these cycles, we must:</p><blockquote><strong>Educate Ourselves and Others on Land Ownership Laws:</strong> Black families must arm themselves with knowledge about land laws, estate planning, and heirs’ property protections. Without legal insight, our land remains vulnerable.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>Push for Policy Change: </strong>We need reforms that ensure equal access to USDA funding, land grants, and fair heirs’ property laws. Black landowners deserve the same streamlined resources that white farmers have long enjoyed.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>Build Cooperative Models:</strong> Pooling resources through Black farming cooperatives can make land acquisition and farming operations more sustainable, providing collective bargaining power against predatory developers.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>Leverage Urban Agriculture:</strong> City-based farming initiatives can serve as stepping stones for larger land acquisitions while immediately enhancing food security. Community land trusts and cooperative ownership models can help counteract systemic exclusion from traditional land markets.</blockquote><blockquote><strong>Reignite Black Agricultural Pride: </strong>Farming is part of our heritage. We must transform the narrative of agricultural work from one of oppression to one of liberation by investing in Black agricultural education — from youth programs to adult apprenticeships.</blockquote><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*tL7Uo_GPjwemjuJT7aa_Gw.jpeg" /><figcaption>The Vibrnt Seeds Summer Garden Club at BronxWorks’ rooftop garden is where elementary students are learning how to fertilize tomato plants. Over ten tomato plants were cultivated, resulting in a harvest of 65 pounds of tomatoes.</figcaption></figure><h3>The Future We Must Cultivate</h3><p>Dandelions are more than a child’s plaything — they are symbols of endurance, sprouting in places designed to suppress them. Black land ownership should be no different. My cousin’s revived farm should not be an anomaly, nor should my own struggle to secure land be the norm. The next generation must not inherit the same battles.</p><p>It is time to reclaim what was stolen, rebuild what was lost, and plant the seeds of Black agricultural power once again. Land is more than property — it is survival, legacy, and our future. Without control over our food systems, we control nothing.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/828/1*8o8jomD8giX9S5BXr8_TdA.jpeg" /><figcaption>Food is a fundamental human right. By strengthening our local food systems, we can protect and empower our communities. Through food sovereignty and justice, we have the power to unite and collaboratively shape both the well-being of our residents and the vitality of our local economy.</figcaption></figure><h3>Organizations Leading the Blueprint for Urban-Rural Agriculture</h3><p>These organizations are actively shaping the future of sustainable food systems by bridging urban and rural agriculture:</p><ul><li><a href="https://agricumami.com/">Agricumami Consulting</a></li><li><a href="https://www.bizapedia.com/pro-search.aspx?id=b&amp;prlbdi=662159">Albritton Ancestral Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ayniherbfarm.com/">Ayni Herb Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://blackfarmerfund.org/">Black Farmers Fund</a></li><li><a href="https://www.theblackfeministproject.org/">Black Feminist Project (Mama Tanya Denise Fields)</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blackfarmersunited.org/">Black Farmers United</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blackyardfarm.com/">Black Yard Farm Collective</a></li><li><a href="https://brooklynsupportedagriculture.com/">Brooklyn Packers, Brooklyn Supported Agriculture</a></li><li><a href="https://www.blackurbangrowers.org/">Black Urban Growers, BUGS</a></li><li><a href="https://www.catalystcollaborativefarm.com/">Catalyst Collaborative Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://www.claudinefarms.com/">Claudine Farms</a></li><li><a href="https://corbinhill-foodproject.org/">Corbin Hill Food Project</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cultivatorsnyc.org/">Cultivators</a></li><li><a href="https://www.harlemgrown.org/community-events?gad_source=1&amp;gclid=CjwKCAiAh6y9BhBREiwApBLHC-aNciJtAPBWeXYIdNDcOaQ9VqfYddPGbpXtkcIMa4E9aJCzoUETQRoCY-oQAvD_BwE">Harlem Grown</a></li><li><a href="https://unveilwholeness.com/">Harmony Homestead &amp; Wellness Center</a></li><li><a href="https://liberationfarm.org/">Liberation Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://naheus.com/">NAHE Farms</a></li><li><a href="https://www.newrootscommunityfarm.com/">New Roots Bronx Community Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://www.projecteats.org/">Project EATS</a></li><li><a href="https://re-nuble.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorphWLAV7YgfgpY0EOdOQLTQhOjR3kwPQ4C-UnoxTq0unSfv8U9">Re-nuble</a></li><li><a href="https://www.riseandrootfarm.com/">Rise &amp; Root Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://www.grownyceducation.org/gardensatnycha">Roxanne Reid Community Garden</a></li><li><a href="https://www.soulfirefarm.org/">Soul Fire Farm</a></li><li><a href="https://thespicetheory.com/?srsltid=AfmBOorSoc_1gFCVVwQocLbrCzeVproMOyxnLNsP8FNUqRx_UQSU22Wz">The Spice Theory</a></li><li><a href="http://www.seedinajar.com/">Vibrnt Seeds</a></li><li><a href="https://www.wildseedfarms.com/">Wildseed</a></li></ul><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2fec059c4750" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/dandelions-in-the-wind-the-fight-for-black-land-four-years-later-2fec059c4750">Dandelions in the Wind: The Fight for Black Land, Four Years Later</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[The Big PayBLACK: Jamal Bryant Brings the Black Church Back into Focus with a Targeted Boycott]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/the-big-payblack-jamal-bryant-brings-the-black-church-back-into-focus-with-a-targeted-boycott-8e55fb23e768?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2600/1*YBk2g-CSvh29UN_9X5M--g.png" width="4000"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">The Black church, an institution that was once a powerful tool for the left&#x200A;&#x2014;&#x200A;is having a renaissance through what started fittingly as a&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/the-big-payblack-jamal-bryant-brings-the-black-church-back-into-focus-with-a-targeted-boycott-8e55fb23e768?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4">Continue reading on The Baldwin »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/the-big-payblack-jamal-bryant-brings-the-black-church-back-into-focus-with-a-targeted-boycott-8e55fb23e768?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James R. Sanders]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 03 Aug 2025 21:07:11 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-08-03T21:07:10.635Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[Trump Launches Three Strikes on Iran, Foreign Minister Says Nation “Reserves All Options to Defend…]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/trump-launches-three-strikes-on-iran-foreign-minister-says-nation-reserves-all-options-to-defend-e251b499fd82?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1480/1*suTJakaDko2YCldY5URAnw.png" width="1480"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">&#x201C;Tonight, I can report to the world that the strikes were a spectacular military success,&#x201D; Trump said as he stood on the podium in his&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/trump-launches-three-strikes-on-iran-foreign-minister-says-nation-reserves-all-options-to-defend-e251b499fd82?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4">Continue reading on The Baldwin »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/trump-launches-three-strikes-on-iran-foreign-minister-says-nation-reserves-all-options-to-defend-e251b499fd82?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James R. Sanders]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 22 Jun 2025 05:37:11 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-06-22T05:37:11.409Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[EXCLUSIVE: Eva Marcille on Jason’s Lyric, Kenya Moore and RHOA Drama]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/exclusive-eva-marcille-on-jasons-lyric-kenya-moore-and-rhoa-drama-57cbe83edaac?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
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            <dc:creator><![CDATA[BALDWIN EDITORS]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sat, 26 Apr 2025 02:25:31 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-04-26T03:00:51.411Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Entertainment Editor <a href="https://www.instagram.com/kay.dotttt">Akanke Jackson</a> talks to <a href="https://www.instagram.com/evamarcille">Eva Marcille</a> exclusively, about her starring role in the stage play adaptation of the 90’s cult classic, <a href="https://www.stubhub.com/jason-s-lyric-tickets/performer/150445472?=&amp;PCID=PSUSADWHOME50416310995414&amp;MetroRegionID=&amp;psc=&amp;ps=&amp;ps_p=0&amp;ps_c=22308580551&amp;ps_ag=176259871117&amp;ps_tg=kwd-2404015899799&amp;ps_ad=738179018107&amp;ps_adp=&amp;ps_fi=&amp;ps_li=&amp;ps_lp=9073497&amp;ps_n=g&amp;ps_d=c&amp;ps_ex=&amp;pscpag=&amp;gcid=C12289X486&amp;utm_source=google&amp;utm_medium=paid-search&amp;utm_sub_medium=prospecting&amp;utm_term=nb&amp;utm_campaign=22308580551:default&amp;utm_content=default&amp;keyword=176259871117_kwd-2404015899799_c&amp;creative=738179018107&amp;utm_kxconfid=s2rshsbmv&amp;kwt=nb&amp;mt=p&amp;kw=ticketmaster%20jasons%20lyric&amp;gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=22308580551&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjw5azABhD1ARIsAA0WFUEECD-A3FZ5AB41XMzaJ_AA48KamPcQHhuo1KmdNZPCnyw8ItGeZpQaAhUGEALw_wcB">Jason’s Lyric</a> and the Real Housewives of Atlanta controversy surrounding her close friend and former Miss USA winner Kenya Moore.</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*wiB7oVGoBL3imYKuHY4o5g.jpeg" /></figure><p>Eva Marcille is front and center with her theatrical debut as Lyric in the stage adaptation of the 90s classic <em>Jason’s Lyric. </em>The talent sat with me to talk about her role as Lyric, the drama on Real Housewives of Atlanta, and this year’s <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/superfine-tailoring-black-style-costume-institute-spring-2025-exhibition">Met Gala theme — Dandyism</a>.</p><p><strong>Akanke Jackson:</strong> Fans resonated with Jason’s Lyric when it first came out because the story was relevant to the time. With what’s going on now politically, do you think that there’s a resurgence of that story, where our community is concerned — and if so, how are we to handle that change, or setback?’</p><p><strong>Eva Marcille:</strong> “I think the 90s backdrop with the temperature and climate of where Black people are, and the marginalization has not changed. Being from any hood USA in the 90s is the same as any hood in 2025. Coming from broken homes, although we have improved as a society, a lot of our stories are the same. This story specifically is a tragic love story — a plea for hope.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*5uIUkxSdOHlpdm1iECoKrQ.jpeg" /></figure><p>Being from Los Angeles, so close to the birthplace of the Black Panthers in Oakland, I have a better understanding of how there are people in power who create laws to keep us from elevating. The way the current administration is set up now, they’ll rewrite our history. If you let them tell it, Harriet Tubman didn’t have anything to do with the Underground Railroad. It’s been 31 years ago since the movie came out and we had a black president, we progressed as a community, but we still have not got our reparations.</p><p><strong>AJ</strong>: What is one thing you hope your fans take away from this live adaptation of the 90s classic movie?</p><p><strong>EM: </strong>Don’t forget that you were made for a reason. Find your purpose and then live it out. Don’t let anything stop you. Whatever has stifled you, push it aside and keep going. Do not stop dreaming. It’s a reason why we’re here and don’t just exist; continue to dream.”</p><p><strong>AJ:</strong> You’ve been known to wear a suit on the red carpet. What are your thoughts on this theme of Dandyism and Black men’s tailoring for this year’s Met Gala? And — having worked in the industry, not just as a model, but as a mogul, is this exhibit a sign that fashion is beginning to take accountability and begin to acknowledge the advancements that Blacks have made?</p><p><strong>EM:</strong> “I love it! It is what we know fashion to be, to push the envelope to go beyond the veil. The sophisticated artistical, and unapologetic poise that we will see on men and women marveled in that way is going to be such a night. Such a beautiful night. The Vogue issue was one of the most amazing shoots. I think Anna is on point with this year’s assignment, all the people she has appointed as co-chairs are great too. The room is going to look strikingly different in the most amazing way.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*MXbdEEyGzQuU9Mpg68_f1w.jpeg" /></figure><p><strong>AJ</strong>: Do you think that other races who will also be stepping on the red carpet and showcasing their ideas of dandyism will do the theme justice?</p><p><strong>EM</strong>: That’s why I love it for us. It’s such a moment. But, if the others are joining us they should reach out to Black designers. We’ve been the inspiration for so long, so we’ll be fine.</p><p><strong>AJ:</strong> You left RHOA at a time when the ratings were still good — great even. One of the reasons why you said you left, was because of the negativity, and portrayal you felt didn’t always help the culture. Since leaving, several others have left as well — including your close friend Kandi who has gone on to make Broadway history. What direction do you feel the show has gone in and do you still feel the same in terms of what <em>Real Housewives of Atlanta </em>is doing for the culture?</p><p><strong>EM:</strong> I wish them well. I wish them the best. You are who you are. Even when I did <em>America’s Next Top Model </em>you’ll never get the same cast from season 3. We are all individual people who were brought together at a specific time and that was that. So, I think part of it is that people need to stop expecting what already existed. You’re not going to make another NeNe. There’s always some beauty to pull out of the darkest places. After I left I did like to see that it gave other women courage [to leave] like Kandi.</p><p><strong>AJ:</strong> Of course there’s the Kenya Moore situation. She too, is a friend of yours. There’s been a lot of support for the former Miss USA. She went on Tamron Hall and took responsibility for her actions during the season which ultimately got her kicked off season 16 of the show, but do you think the way she was treated, her punishment, was fair? Now knowing that she was invited, and then uninvited to the reunion?</p><p><strong>EM</strong>: I don’t keep up with the specifics of the show. I’ve been busy doing press for the last 3 months. However, Kenya is my friend, and I am gang-gang. If you’re down I am still going to rock with you. I am not saying she was right, I’m not saying she was wrong. All I’m saying is I am still going to be cool with you regardless. I wasn’t there but if she tells me ‘it’s going down’ we ride at dawn.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*NTm1-02gDLujW_T7p411pA.jpeg" /></figure><p>Jason’s Lyric is playing in New York Saturday and continues its tour throughout the country. Tickets are available on <a href="https://jecaryous.com/theater/jasons-lyric/">Ticketmaster</a> and stars Eva as Lyric, Allen Payne in his original role as Jason, hip-hop pinoneer Treach, R&amp;B superstar K. Michelle and is directed by Jecaryous Johnson.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=57cbe83edaac" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/exclusive-eva-marcille-on-jasons-lyric-kenya-moore-and-rhoa-drama-57cbe83edaac">EXCLUSIVE: Eva Marcille on Jason’s Lyric, Kenya Moore and RHOA Drama</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[MARCH 2025 COVER: Saniyah Glenn]]></title>
            <description><![CDATA[<div class="medium-feed-item"><p class="medium-feed-image"><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/march-2025-cover-saniyah-glenn-f2467ace7f73?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4"><img src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/2600/1*VjUGQUOMgg0Wd30nYQqXTg.png" width="6000"></a></p><p class="medium-feed-snippet">Harvard University&#x2019;s sports phenom Saniyah Glenn-Bello gets candid about her experience on campus, being a Black woman in sports, and&#x2026;</p><p class="medium-feed-link"><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/march-2025-cover-saniyah-glenn-f2467ace7f73?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4">Continue reading on The Baldwin »</a></p></div>]]></description>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/march-2025-cover-saniyah-glenn-f2467ace7f73?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/f2467ace7f73</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[beautybybaldwin]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[harvard-university]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[photography]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[womens-history]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James R. Sanders]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 16 Mar 2025 03:57:53 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2025-03-16T17:09:15.831Z</atom:updated>
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            <title><![CDATA[Joey Bada$$ Tackles Closing the Payment Gap for Men of Color]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/joey-bada-tackles-closing-the-payment-gap-for-men-of-color-72204e5ca695?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/72204e5ca695</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[society]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[culture]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[blacklivesmatter]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[bulletbybaldwin]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Raquelle Querido]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Sun, 02 Jun 2024 20:21:06 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-06-21T03:06:25.611Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Joey Bada$$, a man of many titles — rapper, activist, and actor — has now added another to his repertoire: founder of the non-profit <a href="https://www.impactmentorship.org/how-to-apply"><strong>IMPACT MENTORSHIP.</strong></a></h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*QJRV_uuvgp_WNA8rSJY7Ag.jpeg" /></figure><p>In the United States, disparities in employment and income are stark across different racial and ethnic groups. According to a report from the<a href="https://www.bls.gov/opub/reports/race-and-ethnicity/2018/home.htm"> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)</a>, whites make up the majority of the labor force at 78%, while Blacks and Asians constitute 13% and 6%, respectively. American Indians and Alaska Natives account for 1%, Native Hawaiians and Other Pacific Islanders less than 1%, and people of Two or More Races 2%.</p><p>Income disparities are equally troubling. A study by the <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2016/07/01/racial-gender-wage-gaps-persist-in-u-s-despite-some-progress/">Pew Research Center</a> reveals that college-educated Black men earn roughly 80% of the hourly wages of their white counterparts ($25 vs. $32), and college-educated Hispanic men also earn about 80% of the hourly wages of white men ($26 vs. $32). These differences in labor market outcomes are influenced by factors such as <strong>educational attainment</strong>, <strong>occupation, industry</strong>, <strong>geographic location</strong>, and <strong>workplace discrimination</strong>.</p><blockquote>This is where Joey Bada$$ and IMPACT MENTORSHIP come in.</blockquote><h3>IMPACT MENTORSHIP, founded by Joey Bada$$ and inspired by Unlock Her Potential, provides free mentorship for <strong>men of color aged 18 and older across the U.S. (including Puerto Rico)</strong>.</h3><p>The program aims to support the professional development and growth of men of color by sharing expertise, experience, wisdom, insights, guidance, and constructive criticism.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*hGx-bt7gjS4kb3x6FN_tpg.jpeg" /></figure><p>I recently had the opportunity to witness the impactful work of IMPACT MENTORSHIP during their summit held at New York’s Columbia University. The lecture hall was filled with men of color eager to absorb the wisdom of industry leaders like thought leader <strong>19 Keys, Jon Gray (co-founder of Ghetto Gastro), actor Malcolm Mays, KidSuper’s Colm Dillane, and the multi-talented Joey Bada$$ himself</strong>. These leaders discussed topics ranging from the importance and craft of networking to overcoming challenges in becoming an effective leader.</p><p>The thought-provoking conversations left mentees lined up after each session, seeking further guidance from their mentors. <strong>Malcolm Mays</strong> reminded the group that the mindset to success is:</p><h3><em>“It’s not about who’s in front of you; it’s about who’s next to you.”</em></h3><p>The focus is on building a community, recognizing that everyone is on their own path, and <strong>achieving greatness together.</strong></p><p>Joey Bada$$ and IMPACT MENTORSHIP are making significant strides in closing the payment gap and fostering a supportive network for men of color, proving that <strong>with the right guidance and opportunities, these disparities can be addressed.</strong></p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=72204e5ca695" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/joey-bada-tackles-closing-the-payment-gap-for-men-of-color-72204e5ca695">Joey Bada$$ Tackles Closing the Payment Gap for Men of Color</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Black women entrepreneurs want more federal support to start and grow businesses]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/black-women-entrepreneurs-want-more-federal-support-to-start-and-grow-businesses-2175ea90a4b6?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/2175ea90a4b6</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[bulletbybaldwin]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[poli̇ti̇cs]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[business]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[blacklivesmatter]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[BALDWIN EDITORS]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Thu, 23 May 2024 01:26:57 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-06-21T03:06:15.177Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Originally published by <a href="https://19thnews.org/2024/05/black-women-business-owners-want-support-federal-government/">The 19th</a></h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*v3rp_-AWrMgJdlFhQmjSTA.png" /></figure><p>Black women think the federal government could do more to advance entrepreneurship opportunities, as many view launching and sustaining businesses as key to creating wealth, according to a <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/our-commitments/sustainability/one-million-black-women/amplifying-voices-of-black-women/index.html">survey</a> from Goldman Sachs’ One Million Black Women investment initiative.</p><p>The survey, published Thursday, comes as the Biden administration is embarking on a weekend filled with engagements that highlight its work to improve Black Americans’ economic standing. The economy continues to rank as a main concern among Americans, according to <a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/1675/most-important-problem.aspx">Gallup</a>, and only 38 percent of Black Americans believe the president’s policies have helped Black people, according to <a href="https://www.ipsos.com/en-us/most-black-americans-continue-support-joe-biden">polling</a> by The Washington Post and Ipsos.</p><p>The Biden administration last month put out a news release, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/04/12/fact-sheet-president-biden-announces-key-progress-on-efforts-to-close-the-racial-wealth-gap/#:~:text=Black%20wealth%20is%20up%2060,fastest%20rate%20in%2030%20years.">touting</a> ways it says Black Americans have benefited from its policies. It said that Black household family wealth was up 60 percent and that more than 2.5 million jobs had been created for Black Americans. The statement also cited record low unemployment rates for Black Americans, investments in small businesses and the cancellation of $160 billion in student debt.</p><p>Still, per Goldman Sachs’ survey, 63 percent of Black women think that the federal government could do more to advance entrepreneurship opportunities.</p><p>“I think Black women are looking for the federal government to give them more resources to help them start businesses and grow their businesses, whether it’s capital, access to additional education programs, and from a process standpoint, making it easier to license your business or get the permits necessary to start a business,” said Jessica Taylor, the national director of One Million Black Women.</p><p>A 2022 <a href="https://www.fedsmallbusiness.org/survey/2022/2022-report-on-firms-owned-by-people-of-color">report</a> from the Federal Reserve showed businesses owned by people of color had a harder time obtaining loans, lines of credit and cash advances from banks and other lenders than those owned by White people. The goal of One Million Black Women is to invest $10 billion and give $100 million toward advancing economic opportunities for at least 1 million Black women by 2030.</p><p>Small business owners can compete for federal contract dollars, where the federal government spends billions purchasing goods or services, but only 9.4 percent of that money went to minority-owned businesses and 4.9 percent of it went to women-owned businesses in fiscal 2020, according to the left-leaning think tank <a href="https://www.thirdway.org/report/shut-out-the-dearth-of-opportunity-for-minority-contracting#">Third Way</a>. Some reasons Third Way cites for minority and women-owned businesses’ struggle with attaining federal dollars are “preferences for established and experienced businesses” and “confusing requirements and difficulty obtaining information on contracts” among others.</p><p>The Biden administration has set a goal of increasing federal contracting dollars to small disadvantaged businesses — what the Small Business Administration (SBA) <a href="https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/small-disadvantaged-business">defines</a> as a business where someone who has faced racial or ethnic prejudice owns a majority stake in the business — to 50 percent by 2025, a White House representative told The 19th. They said 28.4 percent of last fiscal year’s federal contracting dollars — amounting to $178.6 billion — went to small disadvantaged businesses.</p><p>The White House representative also said the SBA has more than doubled the amount of loans it has offered to Black-owned businesses since 2020. SBA reporting shows Black-owned businesses accounted for <a href="https://careports.sba.gov/views/7a504Summary/Report?%3Aembed=yes&amp;%3B%3Atoolbar=no">8 percent</a> of loan approvals in fiscal 2023, and majority women-owned businesses accounted for <a href="https://careports.sba.gov/views/7a504Summary/Report?%3Aembed=yes&amp;%3B%3Atoolbar=no">21 percent</a> of loan approvals.</p><p>The <a href="https://www.sba.gov/partners/lenders/7a-loan-program/terms-conditions-eligibility#id-eligibility-requirements">SBA loans</a> can offer as much as $5 million in business financing from lenders, but the money is rarely available for an owner who is just starting out; lenders typically want businesses that have been operating for<a href="https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/small-business/sba-startup-loans#:~:text=SBA%207(a)%20loans%20are,least%20two%20years%20in%20business."> two years</a>. CNBC reports that “<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2021/02/03/black-owned-businesses-are-struggling-to-stay-afloat.html">eight out of 10</a> Black-owned businesses fail within the first 18 months.”</p><p>Alanna Nicholas, the founder of Capital Talent Development Group and a participant of Goldman Sachs’ <a href="https://www.goldmansachs.com/our-commitments/sustainability/one-million-black-women/black-in-business/">One Million Black Women: Black In Business program</a>, a business education program, acknowledges the benefits of loans, but says they can be inaccessible for some.</p><p>“The loan programs are great, but to obtain them, the credibility that takes them two years, that’s not a reality if you’re really going to start a business and really try to sustain it,” she said.</p><p>Nicholas estimates her startup costs were around $20,000 — most of which came from her personal savings and some familial support. She wants to see “more grant funding tied to measurable outcomes that we can produce.”</p><p>Still, the establishment of Black businesses has boomed over the years, with the Biden administration noting that it’s the fastest growing rate of Black-owned businesses in over 30 years, something it attributed to the president’s <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2023/12/20/fact-sheet-president-biden-to-highlight-how-his-investing-in-america-agenda-has-led-to-a-black-small-business-boom/">investments</a> in small businesses. The Annual Business Survey from the Census Bureau estimated that there were <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2023/annual-business-survey-employer-business-characteristics.html">161,031</a> Black-owned businesses in 2021, up from <a href="https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2020/annual-business-survey-data.html">124,004</a> in 2017.</p><p>The survey from One Million Black Women found that more Black women want to start businesses, but they need financial and educational resources. The national survey was conducted by <a href="https://www.db-research.com/">David Binder Research</a>, a Democratic-leaning firm, between April 4–15 through phone and text-to-web. The margin of error was 2 percent for all U.S. adults and 4 percent for Black women. The survey consisted of 1,200 U.S. adults and an oversample of 600 Black women, with minor statistical weights applied to the base sample and oversample.</p><p>The survey found that 61 percent of Black women view entrepreneurship as an important pathway to wealth creation. Seventy-seven percent of Black women in the survey said they would be more likely to start a business if they had more access to business loans, grants, lines of credit or seed funding.</p><p>Sixty-three percent of Black women believe the federal government could do more to advance entrepreneurship opportunities — with only 35 percent of Black women business owners believing their business interests are represented at the federal level. Further, 32 percent of Black women intending to vote in this year’s election remain undecided about the candidate who will get their vote.</p><p>Nicholas said: “I’m eager to hear more from candidates about the issues that impact Black female entrepreneurs like me. We want leaders in Washington to appreciate how important entrepreneurship is for our community and as an opportunity for wealth creation for our families.”</p><p>The president is looking to highlight what the administration has done for Black Americans through a few key events this weekend. Friday marks the 70th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, the landmark case that ruled school segregation unconstitutional, and plaintiffs of the case and their families will meet with President Joe Biden at the White House on Thursday. Additionally, the president is slated to deliver remarks on Friday at the NAACP’s anniversary celebration of the case at the National Museum of African American History and Culture. He’ll end by giving the commencement speech at Morehouse College, a historically Black men’s college in Atlanta.</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=2175ea90a4b6" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/black-women-entrepreneurs-want-more-federal-support-to-start-and-grow-businesses-2175ea90a4b6">Black women entrepreneurs want more federal support to start and grow businesses</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Rep. Jasmine Crockett Launches ‘Clapback Collection’ After Epic Congressional Cuss Out]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/rep-jasmine-crockett-launches-clapback-collection-after-epic-congressional-cuss-out-eb14b7c21dd0?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/eb14b7c21dd0</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[bulletbybaldwin]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[congress]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[politics]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[James R. Sanders]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Tue, 21 May 2024 00:19:20 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-05-21T00:19:20.424Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Retaliating against Rep. Marjorie Taylor without remorse is leading to a clothing collection with the now-famous words that have captivated social media.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*S-zKdSuf5xAZTnPLYv3lbg.png" /></figure><p>“So we are going to drop “A Crockett Clapback Collection.” The Congresswoman announced on X.</p><iframe src="" width="0" height="0" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/34a28127ff7a07002209294a6f06c8dd/href">https://medium.com/media/34a28127ff7a07002209294a6f06c8dd/href</a></iframe><p>Last Thursday, social media was ablaze after Rep. Marjorie Taylor commented on Crockett’s appearance saying, “I think your fake eyelashes are messing up what you’re reading,” to which Rep. Crockett fired back by calling her a “bleach blonde, bad-built, butch body.”</p><p>Here’s a clip of the exchange:</p><iframe src="https://cdn.embedly.com/widgets/media.html?src=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fembed%2FRTYV8BZiGFQ%3Ffeature%3Doembed&amp;display_name=YouTube&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DRTYV8BZiGFQ&amp;image=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FRTYV8BZiGFQ%2Fhqdefault.jpg&amp;key=a19fcc184b9711e1b4764040d3dc5c07&amp;type=text%2Fhtml&amp;schema=youtube" width="854" height="480" frameborder="0" scrolling="no"><a href="https://medium.com/media/e1680e82990206d9c5d4b62e597d96b7/href">https://medium.com/media/e1680e82990206d9c5d4b62e597d96b7/href</a></iframe><p>When asked if Rep. Crockett regretted her comments, she said no. It’s unclear whether Taylor was asked the same question — especially since her comments started the exchange.</p><p>The first item is going to be a black tee emblazoned with the now-iconic words (in white), “Bleach Blonde Bad Built Butch Body.”</p><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=eb14b7c21dd0" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/rep-jasmine-crockett-launches-clapback-collection-after-epic-congressional-cuss-out-eb14b7c21dd0">Rep. Jasmine Crockett Launches ‘Clapback Collection’ After Epic Congressional Cuss Out</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[Navigating Mental Health in the Black Community]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/navigating-mental-health-in-the-black-community-c624d1eb52d1?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/c624d1eb52d1</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[information]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[bulletbybaldwin]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[mental-health]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[black-mental-health]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Claxton]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 16:54:46 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-05-17T16:54:46.644Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>7 Insights from the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, all images by The Baldwin’s Photo Editor Christopher Claxton</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*hZsUQ5k_0_ERf1N08lljfw.jpeg" /></figure><p>The Mary J. Blige and Pepsi “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit” descended upon the vibrant streets of New York City, transforming the iconic singer’s hometown into a hub of inspiration and empowerment over Mother’s Day Weekend. Amidst the captivating performances and engaging panels, one discussion stood out as a beacon of enlightenment: “Crisis to Care: Navigating Mental Health in the Black Community.”</p><p>Moderated by Kristi Henderson and featuring esteemed panelists Sharon Content, Shanti Das, and Dr. Thema, this session delved deep into the complexities of mental health within the Black community. As attendees absorbed the profound insights shared, seven key takeaways emerged, offering invaluable guidance for individuals seeking support and understanding in their mental health journey.</p><p>1. Busy Isn’t the Same Thing as Healed: Amidst the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s essential to recognize that busyness doesn’t equate to healing. The panel emphasized the importance of prioritizing genuine self-care and seeking professional support when needed, rather than simply masking inner turmoil with endless tasks.</p><p>2. Addressing Microaggressions: Microaggressions are insidious manifestations of racial bias that can erode mental well-being. Panelists emphasized the significance of racial literacy — being able to identify and confront these subtle forms of discrimination — to foster a healthier, more inclusive society.</p><p>3. Destigmatizing Mental Health: Breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health is paramount. By normalizing conversations and seeking help when needed, individuals can access the support and resources necessary for healing without fear of judgment or shame.</p><p>4. Representation in Mental Health Services: Creating opportunities for mental health professionals who share lived experiences with their clients fosters a deeper sense of understanding and empathy. This representation ensures that individuals receive culturally competent care that respects their unique backgrounds and perspectives.</p><p>5. Recognizing Symptoms of Distress: It’s crucial to recognize the signs of distress, which may manifest as behaviors commonly misconstrued as laziness or a bad attitude. By reframing these behaviors as indicators of underlying stress or trauma, individuals can offer support and understanding rather than judgment.</p><p>6. It’s Okay Not to Be Okay: Acknowledging one’s vulnerability and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Embracing the reality that it’s okay not to be okay opens the door to authentic healing and growth.</p><p>7. Cultivating Authentic Relationships: True support comes from genuine connections built on trust and reciprocity. Panelists emphasized the importance of intentional friendships and relationships, where individuals can show up for each other without fear of judgment or exploitation.</p><p>As the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit continues to empower and uplift marginalized communities, the insights gleaned from the “Crisis to Care” panel serve as a guiding light for individuals navigating the complex terrain of mental health. By fostering open dialogue, advocating for representation, and cultivating authentic connections, we can collectively dismantle barriers to mental well-being and pave the way for a more compassionate and inclusive society.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*K0jqJmvEbMIJkR80owam7w.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*FTaN6zq4LS8Dq51_x0b2LQ.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*SDVyGRTD0f0Dnty2GGM-4w.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*2EliF5VJJ1DNl5FWHGNFpw.jpeg" /></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=c624d1eb52d1" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/navigating-mental-health-in-the-black-community-c624d1eb52d1">Navigating Mental Health in the Black Community</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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            <title><![CDATA[2024 STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL: Empowering Unity]]></title>
            <link>https://medium.com/the-baldwin/2024-strength-of-a-woman-festival-empowering-unity-e0e84e394fbc?source=rss----b4a17d90486d---4</link>
            <guid isPermaLink="false">https://medium.com/p/e0e84e394fbc</guid>
            <category><![CDATA[baldwinbites]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[black-women]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[women]]></category>
            <category><![CDATA[news]]></category>
            <dc:creator><![CDATA[Christopher Claxton]]></dc:creator>
            <pubDate>Fri, 17 May 2024 16:42:13 GMT</pubDate>
            <atom:updated>2024-05-17T16:42:13.241Z</atom:updated>
            <content:encoded><![CDATA[<h4>Mary J. Blige, Taraji P. Henson, Tasha Smith, and friends empower through unity, knowledge of self, and inner beauty. Photo Editor Christopher Claxton was on the scene to recap the event.</h4><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*GyWsWz30LT_-4eh06C8pJw.png" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><p>The heartbeat of New York City quickened over Mother’s Day Weekend as the Mary J. Blige and Pepsi “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit” unfolded in the bustling streets of the singer’s hometown. Across three electrifying days, attendees were treated to a symphony of inspiration, empowerment, and entertainment, seamlessly weaving together enriching panels, soul-stirring performances, and culinary delights.</p><p>Now in its third year, the festival, born from the collaborative vision of Mary J. Blige and Pepsi, stands as a testament to the power of unity and representation. With a focus on uplifting women and underrepresented groups, the event serves as a beacon of hope and opportunity, offering a diverse array of workshops and panels touching upon crucial topics such as mental health, financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and more.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*QZe_VqZ2uyvjIys7MR55-A.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><p>The Summit kicked off at The Glasshouse in New York City with a morning dedicated to wellness, prayer, and affirmation, led by comedian Jess Hilarious and actress/director Tasha Smith. This set the tone for a day filled with enriching dialogue, starting with a poignant panel on navigating mental health in the Black community, moderated by Kristi Henderson alongside esteemed panelists Sharon Content, Shanti Das, and Dr. Thema.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Z-_-5JbvNOgCKGkXfeB7VQ.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><p>Throughout the day, attendees were treated to engaging discussions, including a chat centering around Black women taking charge of their destinies, and a panel delving into the keys to unlocking financial freedom. Notably, the “Girl Talk With MJB” panel, moderated by radio icon Angie Martinez and featuring Mary J. Blige herself alongside Taraji P. Henson and Tasha Smith, provided a rare glimpse into genuine friendship and solidarity, leaving the audience brimming with laughter and camaraderie.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*0xM81q5Bm3x7qpaomFFXIQ.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><p>As the day unfolded, the festival’s commitment to community and support shone brightly through the Pepsi Dig In activation, spotlighting and supporting local Black-owned restaurants. Attendees savored delectable dishes while sipping on refreshing Pepsi drinks, fostering a sense of unity and celebration.</p><p>A surprise awaited attendees with the “Our Men Honor The Strength of a Woman” panel, moderated by actor Da’Vinchi and featuring an esteemed lineup including Mekai Curtis, Method Man, Michael Rainey Jr., and Lorenz Tate. The panel underscored the invaluable contributions of women to society, captivating the audience with heartfelt anecdotes and resonant messages of appreciation.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*vthKnODzr3x-TIjBIoogOg.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><p>Beyond the star-studded performances and thought-provoking panels, the Strength of a Woman Summit served as a nexus of connection and community. Attendees reveled in newfound friendships, shared experiences, and unforgettable moments, underscoring the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and unity.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*aBMc_eWRWZW2yO1D5QldCA.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><p>As we reflect on the vibrant tapestry of the Mary J. Blige and Pepsi “Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit,” it was truly an extraordinary gathering — a celebration of resilience, empowerment, and the enduring power of music and culture.</p><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Nnm4_jYEbVla0CBu9DLJyw.jpeg" /><figcaption>Photographed by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*iUlDEO2hk4AKs2xjKaVF_g.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*EjkQkTcEcZOSjgSrX69qNA.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*MOw80jnlY1XLtqHiWKNFvQ.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*polwAnNqSJRg3DhsFfdzLg.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Ge9Ilur9F3-6jNK2m1sa2A.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*Zg6z469dZnGuvYTfuxP4QA.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*XVhGendlj0iFF7vFolHvoQ.jpeg" /></figure><figure><img alt="" src="https://cdn-images-1.medium.com/max/1024/1*bm4MF3h8WjLt8yu_Dh8f2g.jpeg" /><figcaption>All Images by Christopher Claxton</figcaption></figure><img src="https://medium.com/_/stat?event=post.clientViewed&referrerSource=full_rss&postId=e0e84e394fbc" width="1" height="1" alt=""><hr><p><a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin/2024-strength-of-a-woman-festival-empowering-unity-e0e84e394fbc">2024 STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL: Empowering Unity</a> was originally published in <a href="https://medium.com/the-baldwin">The Baldwin</a> on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.</p>]]></content:encoded>
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